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Atoka board clears up to $56,582 for fire turnout gear to outfit new hires
Summary
After extended debate about safety and supply timelines, the board authorized the fire chief to purchase up to 12 sets of turnout gear (estimated total $56,582) and to hold the funds in a dedicated fire-department savings account; the motion passed by voice vote.
The Atoka Board on March 10 authorized the fire chief to purchase new turnout gear for the department, approving purchases "as needed up to 12 sets" and allowing the funding to be held in a fire-department savings account.
Chief Scott told the board the department needs sets to outfit new hires and replace older sets that are approaching expiration. He said some gear is currently damaged or near end-of-life and that 12 sets would cover current hires and shortfalls. "Twelve sets is going to come up to 56,582," Chief Scott said when asked about cost and lead time.
Members probed whether buying sets without knowing exact sizes was practical; the chief explained that although gear is sized on initial issue, sets can be mixed (coats and pants swapped by size) and that the department maintains training needs and usage plans for older sets. Several aldermen expressed concern about spending prior to more formal budgeting, but the board approved a motion to allocate the funds and allow purchases as needed within the fiscal year to avoid losing available funds.
The motion passed by voice vote; the record in the transcript shows the motion carried following discussion. The chief was instructed to procure gear in line with safety standards and provide updates to the board on purchases and remaining inventory.
